Community

DRA recognizes National Minority Health Month

Community

From Chris Masingill Delta Regional Authority

As we observe National Minority Health Month, we are reminded of the health disparities that exist in the Delta region, one of the most distressed areas in the country. With obesity rates in our states ranging from 29% to 36%, a diabetes rate as high as 13%, and some of the largest concentrations of uninsured people in the country, we understand the needs in our region.

The #NMHM16 theme is “Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation.” For us, that acceleration starts right here in the Delta. As we know, and as President Obama said in a statement, 'minorities continue to experience health care gaps that leave their communities behind. During National Minority Health Month, we recommit to taking action to overcome these disparities.” At the DRA, we share the President's commitment and will continue to work closely with local partners to make sure that our health systems and hospitals have access to the infrastructure support they need to operate. We also will continue to place qualified physicians in medically underserved areas in our region through our Delta Doctors program and fund health-related projects throughout the region.

Having access to quality healthcare is important to many aspects of economic development and quality of life. When a community's institutions provide access to quality healthcare, they cultivate a healthier workforce. Healthy workers have improved opportunities to acquire skills and compete for jobs that help them support themselves and their families. Those healthy workforces make our region more competitive and grow our local economies. Investing in healthcare access for Delta communities, especially those with high minority populations in rural areas, is an integral part of fulfilling our mission to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives in the Delta region.

Observance of National Minority Health Month 2016 will continue throughout this month. To learn more about National Minority Health Month and resources to help promote this observance and events in your community, please visit http://minorityhealth. hhs.gov/nmhm16/.

We will be highlighting statistics and work from others focused on #NMHM2016 on our social media sites in the next week. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook.